“Steam rises from the open spring, cooling above on the canopy that protects the pond. A rustling of early frost can be heard. Below, amid the leaf-felled dogwood of summer, preen the last remaining ‘Northerns’ headed south.”

“We have a series of spring-fed ponds on our ranch that stay open throughout the winter. Mallards, geese and others pour onto these springs by the hundreds. I’ve had thrilling days watching them break through the dense gray searching for an open spot on our bird hostel.”